Compact spectrometer

Abstract

A spectrometer for measuring a spectral signature of an object comprises fringe generating optics for use with a camera and a processor. The fringe generating optics are formed of front optics and birefringent optics. The front optics comprises a diffuser adapted to receive light from the object. The birefringent optics is adapted to receive light from the diffuser and to generate interference fringes. The camera is adapted to receive the interference fringes and the processor generates the spectral signature of the object. This spectrometer is an improved Fourier transform spectrometer suitable for use with digital cameras, such as cameras found in mobile devices.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 662,827 filed on Mar. 10, 2015, which claims the priority benefit of Singapore Patent Application Number 10201501196D filed on Feb. 16, 2015.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to spectrometers, and more particular to improved Fourier transform spectrometers suitable for use with digital cameras including cameras used in mobile devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]A spectrometer is an instrument used to measure properties of light over a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, typically used to identify materials. The variable measured can be the light's spectral intensity or irradiance. Fourier transform spectrometers can be used for visible, infrared and ultraviolet frequencies, and are based on two-beam interference or polarization modulation phenomenon to generate a resulting interferogram. The Fourier transform of a resulting interf...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various embodiments it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology of spectrometers. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for providing a high quality spectrometer of small size which can readily be used with the camera of a conventional mobile device so as to make the spectrometer remarkably convenient to carry around while running a daily routine. Additional features and advantages of various embodiments will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below.

Problems solved by technology

The large processing requirements for such a hyperspectral imaging device will not work well with digital cameras, especially those found in mobile devices.

This is due in part to the relatively limited processing power available in mobile devices.

Further, jitter during scanning will lead to the introduction of high spectral inaccuracies.

Other known spectrometers are relatively difficult to use with field work outside of a lab, and they are typically much more expensive, require frequent spectral recalibration, require several display / control / power accessories before the spectrometer can function properly, and are simply too bulky and inconvenient to carry around while running a daily routine.

As such, spectrometers, although highly useful analytical instruments, have seen limited adoption by the general public and are normally restricted to lab work.

Images